Covid-19 & activating a DNR

[papi11on]

I'm 69 and I registered a DNR (do not ressusitate) several years ago with my GP & the hospital. I fall into the High Risk (but not Extremely Vulnerable) group. If I get complications from Covid-19 and need hospitalising, will I be left to die, especially if there are there are no if ventilators?

[GracieOS]

Hi, Hopefully it won't get to the situation where medics have to choose who will be treated and who left to die. That's what this lockdown is all about, avoiding that situation. Scary as it is, the vast majority of people, even those with underlying health conditions will survive this. I've chosen to look at the stats in reverse, so rather than thinking there is a 10% chance this will kill me, with my various underlying conditions, I think there is a 90% chance I'll survive it. If, of course, I even get it in the first place.

[Lezzers]

The point of the 'stay at home' message is so the NHS is not overwhelmed and everyone gets medical treatment, if needed.

The DNR doesn't mean you won't get all the treatment you may need if you have the virus, it means in the event you have a cardiac arrest they'll be no attempt at resuscitation. You can, if you wish, remove DNR from your records.

Stay safe

[Lezzers]

I'm not sure I'd believe anything I read in the newspapers, especially the daily fail. It's shocking the way they're using people's fears to create manipulative headlines!

[IanGordon in reply to Lezzers]

"Why let the truth get in the way of a good story" has long been the editorial policy of the DM or the 'Daily Fib' as I prefer to call it.

[S11m in reply to Lezzers]

Should they promote mass panic, complacency... or a compromise?

[Lezzers in reply to S11m]

What they shouldn't promote is headlines/news that have been manipulated to cause fear and panic. What's wrong with simple truths without embellishment.

[ali161]

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I think DNR forms are for when someone goes into cardiac arrest and does not mean treatment is withheld altogether.

[Hidden]

I helped my mother organise a DNR, there were several elements including a discussion with GP. There was a detailed form with various scenarios and the outcomes the patient desired. (Somerset Uk region).

I did not get the impression it was only about cardiac arrest, as that was not the likely risk for my mum. At one point we were asked if she wanted “active care” ie to go to hospital for treatment, or “palliative care” at home I.e. pain relief.

So even in presence of DNR, there seemed some ability to choose, at least whilst she was conscious.

If you have any more recent desires to be borne in mind now, maybe phone the GP surgery and ask for a comment to be out on your medical notes??.

[Frenchbulldogsx]

Hiya

The DNR form was replaced a few years ago with a Respect form so not sure that the DNR is valid? Can revoke at any time, but generally they are based on whatever setting you are in and your condition at the time of signing it. Here's a link to a handy video. Don't you go worrying about things like that anyway. Look outside and hopefully you can see the beauty of a spring day 🏵️🌸🌺🌹💐

youtu.be/zO_B215a6bI(Not working as expected?)

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Frenchbulldogsx]

This is great initiative unfortunately not widely known about by some healthcare professionals and the larger community

There is also Coordinate my care where you can write down how you wish to be cared for in the last phase of your life.

coordinatemycare.co.uk/

resus.org.uk/respect/

[Frenchbulldogsx in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes basically respect forms are person centred and apply in different settings.

[Prada47]

Difficult thread but so worthwhile thanks. Please don't read this reply if you are of a nervous disposition

I have started the conversation with my GP of what I want to happen should I need resuscitation etc.Haven't got to the Respect system yet. As I want my heart taken out and given to a University research dept . I was told by a Cardiology Specialist it would be very valuable for Research as I have lived for almost 40 years ( and hopefully a lot more ) after having an MI in 1982 and progressed onto Heart Failure.

Not yet sure should I die in Hospital if it is just taken out and packed in a bag ( like for transplant ) and then sent to the University or is it as valuable a few days later !!! Need to do something with it that may be useful rather than just going to the Crematorium !! This is a very personal view and not suitable for many people. I did speak with a friend her father had donated his whole body for research and it was turned down because they had enough !!

Take Care Stay Safe Stay Well to put the Decision off LOL